Iltovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Herpesvirales, in the family Herpesviridae, in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Birds, galliform birds, psittacine birds, chickens, turkeys, and quail serve as natural hosts. There are only two species in this genus. Diseases associated with this genus include: acute respiratory diseases: gaHV-1: infectious laryngotracheitis; psHV-1: Pacheco's disease.^[1][2]

Quick Facts Iltovirus, Virus classification ...

Iltovirus
Transmission electron micrograph of Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 virions
Virus classification
(unranked):	Virus
Realm:	Duplodnaviria
Kingdom:	Heunggongvirae
Phylum:	Peploviricota
Class:	Herviviricetes
Order:	Herpesvirales
Family:	Orthoherpesviridae
Subfamily:	Alphaherpesvirinae
Genus:	Iltovirus
Species
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The genus consists of the following two species:^[2]

• Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1
• Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 1

Viruses in Iltovirus are enveloped, with icosahedral, spherical to pleomorphic, and round geometries, and T=16 symmetry. The diameter is around 120-200 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 150kb in length.^[1]

Viral replication is nuclear, and is lysogenic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral gB, gC, gD and gH proteins to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the dsDNA bidirectional replication model. DNA-templated transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by nuclear egress, and budding. Birds, galliform birds, psittacine birds, chickens, turkeys, and quail serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are contact, contamination, and air borne particles.^[1]